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Butler looks for second solid game in Wizards' home opener

Nov 4, 2006 - 3:10 PM Boston (0-2) at Washington (0-1) 7:00 pm EST

WASHINGTON (Ticker) -- If his opening game was indication, Caron Butler is destined to continue making significant contributions for the Washington Wizards.

Butler again looks to lead the way for the Wizards, who seek their first victory of the season when they host the winless Boston Celtics in Saturday's home opener.

Acquired from the Los Angeles Lakers on August 2, 2005, Butler averaged a career-high 17.8 points and 6.2 rebounds last season to help the Wizards reach the playoffs for the second consecutive year.

Butler made 9-of-15 shots to score 23 points in 43 minutes for Washington, which absorbed a 97-94 season-opening loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday.

Antawn Jamison scored 20 points, Etan Thomas added 14 and Gilbert Arenas grabbed 11 rebounds for the Wizards in their first meeting against Cleveland since losing last spring's playoff series in six games.

Playing its first road contest of the campaign, Boston has failed to score 90 points in its two losses and has dropped seven of eight games dating to last season.

After averaging 26.8 points in 2005-2006, Paul Pierce scored 22 for the Celtics in Friday's 101-88 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Playing his ninth campaign, he is averaging 26.5 points and 13.5 rebounds in two contests.

Washington won three of the four matchups against Boston last season, including a 108-91 victory in their most recent encounter April 5.